Sales Lead Dog Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Unlock the secrets to successful wealth management with Kevin Corbett, Managing Director of Corporate Development and Strategy at Mariner Wealth Advisors. Gain valuable insights into Mariner's rapid growth strategy aimed at affluent and high-net-worth individuals, and discover how Kevin's expertise in M&A opportunities has propelled the firm to operate across 41 states with over 800 advisors. Learn the three keystones of Kevin's success: meticulous attention to detail, unwavering honesty and integrity, and the power of teamwork. Kevin also delves into the emotional journey of entrepreneurs transitioning from owners to employees, offering a unique perspective on the psychological elements of selling. 

Trace Kevin's professional journey from working directly with individual clients to liaising with institutions and advisors. Explore his career-defining move to North Texas in 2003 to join Fidelity Institutional, where he played a pivotal role in helping advisors establish their own RIA firms. Uncover the story of Kevin's relationship with Marty Bicknell, the founder and CEO of Mariner Wealth, and how their shared values and trust shape Mariner's client-first mindset. This episode underscores the cultural considerations in business acquisitions and the importance of maintaining strong personal connections for long-term success. 

In our conversation, we emphasize the significance of fostering a culture of success within a team, where putting the customer first and delivering exceptional value are paramount. We discuss the challenges of evaluating cultural fit remotely and the benefits of viewing partnerships over mere vendor relationships. Reputation and integrity take center stage as Kevin shares how high standards and nurturing long-term relationships can unlock growth opportunities. Finally, we highlight the indispensable role of CRM systems in managing deals, fostering accountability, and driving strategic decision-making through meticulous data tracking. Join us for an episode brimming with actionable strategies and insights into the dynamic world of wealth management. 

Kevin helps lead the corporate development function at Mariner Wealth Advisors. His work includes the strategic lift-out of advisors and teams, assessing and identifying key talent for recruiting, as well as RIA firm acquisitions across the U.S. Kevin works closely with a wide range of industry participants (investment banks, RIA custodians, COIs, etc.) across the industry in pursuit of our goals. He is also a member of the Mariner Trust Company Board of Managers.   

Prior to joining the firm, Kevin was a senior relationship manager at Fidelity Investments, where he worked closely with Mariner Wealth Advisors. Through his 17-year tenure at Fidelity, Kevin held various roles throughout the retail and institutional brokerage businesses, including positions in national financial services, capital markets and institutional wealth services. Kevin’s past experience also includes working as a head trader with Bainco International Investors. Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. 

Quotes:

"I think attention to detail is paramount. Understanding every facet of a potential acquisition ensures our conversations are in-depth and truly beneficial." 

"Honesty and integrity have been hallmarks of my career. In financial services, where trust is everything, being upfront and truthful builds lasting relationships." 

"You can't achieve success in isolation. It's about leveraging the strengths of your team and knowing that it takes a village to close a deal." 

Links: 

Kevin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-w-corbett/

Mariner - https://www.marinerwealthadvisors.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

Unlock the secrets to successful sales leadership as we sit down with Lee Weech, Vice President of Sales for Executech. Learn from Lee's vast experience as he discusses how Executech has thrived over the past 25 years in managed services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. Discover why cloud migration and robust cybersecurity measures are more critical now than ever and get tips on how to protect your corporate data in the age of AI technologies like ChatGPT.   

Gain priceless insights from Lee’s early sales experiences, where transparency and confidence played a pivotal role in closing deals. Hear his candid stories about failures and the lessons they imparted, illustrating how accountability and resilience can turn professional hardships into stepping stones for success. Lee's personal philosophy on sales will inspire you, whether you're starting your career or looking to overcome your own professional challenges.   

Peek behind the curtain of sales leadership with Lee as he shares the ups and downs of steering a team in the managed service provider industry. Learn the art of balancing responsibilities, the importance of self-care, and the role of delegation in fostering a cohesive and successful team. Lee’s approach to hiring, transparency, and leadership will offer you practical strategies to build a supportive, honest, and high-energy work environment. Tune in for invaluable lessons and inspiring stories that can transform your approach to sales and leadership.  Lee Weech is the Vice President of Sales for Executech having helped clients find solutions for Managed IT, Security and Cloud-based solutions to improve their efficiencies for 8 years within 8 locations in 6 states.   

Lee is originally from San Diego moving to Utah is 2005. Along with his two kids, Jackson 18 and Kara 16, they enjoy a very active life together including ATV riding, skiing, golf, hiking, paddle boarding, traveling and proud to carry the National Park annual pass.  Lee enjoys giving back to the community as the former chair of the Salt Lake City President Ambassadors and volunteers within the Daybreak community in South Jordan, UT. 

Quotes:

"Honesty, showing up, and transparency are the core values I hold true. Whether it's telling a client they don't need an expensive solution or showing up in a snowstorm, these principles build trust and long-term relationships." 

"The hardest thing for me in leadership is delegation. By doing everything myself, I'm not helping my team grow. It's important to give them opportunities to handle challenging situations, knowing I've got their back." 

"Reflecting on past failures, I've learned that lack of effort and attention to detail can lead to job losses, but these experiences also serve as critical learning opportunities. Accountability and resilience are key to transforming professional hardships into stepping stones for success." 

Links: 

Lee’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeweech/

Executech - https://www.executech.com

Get this episode and all other episodes of Sales Lead Dog at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog 

Embarking on a career pivot from insurance to the intricate world of legal tech, Jason Grimes, VP of Sales at Stretto, brings a compelling blend of legal expertise and sales acumen to the table. In our latest Sales Lead Dog episode, Jason shares his fascinating journey through the labyrinth of bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, showing how leveraging his legal background has been a game-changer in his sales strategy. As the VP of Software Sales, he reveals how understanding the exacting needs of legal professionals has not only honed Stretto's offerings but has also reinforced his credibility and effectiveness in a market where precision is paramount.

Building an authentic and resilient sales team culture is an art, and Jason paints us a vivid picture of how he does it. With a player-coach approach and a strong emphasis on vulnerability, he creates an atmosphere that encourages genuine interaction and confidence. He also throws in a unique meeting tip to help his teams segue into discussions with ease and authenticity. Jason's insights are a masterclass in nurturing a sales environment that aligns with company values while also fostering individual growth and collaboration. 

Technology isn't just a buzzword for Jason; it's the backbone of operational success. Through anecdotes and expertise, he unwraps the importance of a robust CRM system, the art of conducting nuanced job interviews, and the intricate dance of integrating sales and marketing tech. This episode doesn't just scratch the surface; it's a deep exploration into creating a synchronized ecosystem where sales and marketing technologies work in concert, offering a glimpse into the future of strategic business growth. Tune in to discover how Jason Grimes orchestrates the symphony of sales, legal tech, and leadership. 

Jason is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of revenue-generating experience in the legal technology industry and a proven track record of success. With a long history of building and leading high-performing teams, he brings practical expertise to his role at Stretto where he leads the organization’s business-development efforts for its Best Case by Stretto business unit. Jason understands the importance of serving as a trusted partner to clients and is passionate about helping law firms achieve their business goals by leveraging technology resources to maximize productivity. As a licensed Attorney, he is a recognized legal-technology expert and has been featured in publications such as The American Lawyer, The National Law Journal, and Law360, and is a frequent speaker at industry events. Prior to joining Stretto, Jason held various senior positions with LeanLaw, AbacusNext (CARET), and Aderant.

Quotes:

"Unlocking the secrets to a high-performing sales team starts with a culture that embraces vulnerability and authenticity."

"The leap from insurance to legal tech sales wasn't just a career shift; it was an integration of my legal expertise into a winning sales strategy."

"The internal sale is just as crucial as the external one. Gaining stakeholder buy-in at all levels is key to a thriving sales environment."

Links:

Jason’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondgrimes/

Stretto - https://www.stretto.com

Get this episode and all other episodes of Sales Lead Dog at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

“If the pay stays the same, and the authority stays the same, would you still want it?” asks Alex Hoffer, Chief Revenue Officer at Hoffer Plastics Corporation. As the CRO of a family-run business founded by his grandfather in 1953, Alex has had to think a lot about why he does what he does, and how he can continually do it better. In this episode of Sales Lead Dog, Alex talks about his transition from fixing air conditioners on the roof of his family’s factory to running the company with his father and two sisters, and all the lessons he’s learned along the way. 

When it comes to sales leadership, Alex has a lot to say about how to be “followable,” which is the ultimate goal of any leader. For Alex, being a leader is about being willing and able to do what others won’t -- to run into the fire, instead of away from it. But he also realized early on in his career that if he kept running into fires without caring for his emotional health, he was going to run himself and his team into the ground. 

Tune in this week for thoughtful advice on leadership and self-care, a great analogy about CRM technology, and even a few good jokes. 

Quotes

• “You are unfollowable when you are not healthy yourself” (11:09-11:13)
• “Leadership comes down to a very simple thing: are you someone people want to follow?” (17:48-17:54)

Links

https://hofferplastics.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoffer-plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhoffer

Empellor CRM Website

https://www.empellorcrm.com

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/empellorcrm

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

https://meetfireside.com/podcast-production-service/

What is cognitive behavioral therapy… and what on earth does it have to do with sales leadership? In this episode of Sales Lead Dog, host Christ Smith talks with Jeff Shore of Jeff Shore Sales Training about how he uses this powerful psychological technique to help salespeople work through discomfort before they ever speak to a potential customer. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a technique where you train the mind through practice and repetition to overcome uncomfortable feelings. It’s often used to treat addiction -- but Jeff uses it to treat our collective addiction to discomfort. As Jeff says, “The destination called mastery is on a road called repetition, and there are no shortcuts to that.” As painful as it can be to spend time practicing and working through discomfort before you ever hit the sales floor, when you build that mind and muscle memory, you are setting yourself up for success.  

From looking at CRM like an airplane pilot to trying to make everything just a little bit easier, this episode is chock full of practical, easy to implement techniques that will transform your sales experience, whether you are a sales leader, entrepreneur, or just starting out in the industry. 

Quotes

• “If you fail in a coaching environment, you get better. If you fail on the field, that’s costing you money.” (13:35-13:39)
• “The destination called mastery is on a road called repetition, and there are no shortcuts to that.” (14:53-15:01)

Links:

https://jeffshore.com/

https://jeffshore.com/blog

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-consulting-inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshore/

https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Close-Sale-Effective-Follow-Up/dp/1260462668/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jeff+shore&qid=1610578949&s=books&sr=1-1 (Follow Up and Close the Sale) 

Empellor CRM Website

https://www.empellorcrm.com

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/empellorcrm

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

https://meetfireside.com/podcast-production-service/

“We are a nation of terrible listeners,” says Bob Paradiso, President of Durasein Solid Surface. For Bob, the best salespeople are really listening to their customers, and working hard to identify and solve the problems of their customer. On this episode of Sales Lead Dog, host Chris Smith talks with Bob about his forty year career in sales, and what he’s learned along the way. 

But for Bob, sales wasn’t really on the radar. In fact, he got into sales when his boss called him into his office one day and offered him a sales role in San Francisco. Bob had never considered sales before -- and despite his wife’s skepticism, he eventually persuaded her that life in San Francisco would be a nice change. That moment, where he took a leap into sales, has defined his life. 

What has Bob learned as he moved from sales to sales leadership and beyond? First and foremost, he highlights the power of listening, and solving problems. If you can really solve their problem, he says, the customer will always find value in your business. He also discovered that sales leadership is about more than just customers. It’s about striking the balance between customer needs and company needs -- and finding creative solutions so everyone leaves the meeting satisfied. 

For more on transitioning into sales leadership, creative problem solving, and the power of getting to know not just your customer but also your team, tune in this week to Sales Lead Dog. 

Quotes:

• We are a nation of terrible listeners. We don't listen enough. We are always too concerned about what we want to say … we talk first, and we don't even listen to the reply. (22:28-22:54)

Links:

www.linkedin.com/company/duraseinsolidsurface 

www.duraseinusa.com 

Empellor CRM Website

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

“Where do you need to be more courageous this year?” asks Ryan Avery, the Keynote Speaker on Strategic Communication and Leadership. On this episode of Sales Lead Dog, Ryan talks with host Chris Smith about the fundamentals of his leadership program, and how he helps people move from just a leader to the leader. 

This episode is full of succinct, actionable tips for success -- from how to be true to best represent your brand on Zoom (hint: consider using a ladder) to working toward confidence by becoming more courageous. With a series of memorable acronyms and tons of energy, Ryan shares the fundamentals of strong leadership, using anecdotes that can inspire people at all stages of their career. 

If you’re ready to move from “a” to “the,” tune into this podcast today. 

Quotes:

• “Do you want to be a CEO or do you want to be the CEO.” (5:57-5:59)
• “Expand your comfort zone” (11:32-11:34)
• “Our job as a leader isn’t to have the answer, it’s to find the answer.” (26:12-26:19)

Links:

www.ryanavery.com

Empellor CRM Website

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

How does the transition to private equity change an organization? On this episode of Sales Lead Dog, Doug Vail, Chief Revenue Officer at Industrial Inspection & Analysis, talks with host Chris Smith about his unexpected move to sales leadership as a result of a private equity buyout, and how private equity puts the company focus on continued growth -- even in times of hardship. 

Doug, who started his career as a mechanical engineer, never imagined that one day he would be the CRO of a rapidly expanding business like IIA. But he does credit his engineering background to his methodical sales process, and his ability to continually grow and learn from his mistakes. At this point in his career, he admits that what set him apart was his commitment to discipline -- to getting up everyday ready to “practice his craft.” 

As for his relationship to CRM? Doug says he can’t imagine running a company of any size without it.  

Tune in this week to learn about private equity, unexpected career journeys, and more!

Quote:

• “Private equity is always about: ‘how quickly can you get me to the next level?’” (19:50-19:54)

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougvail1/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-ia/

https://industrial-ia.com/

Empellor CRM Website

https://www.empellorcrm.com

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/empellorcrm

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

https://meetfireside.com/podcast-production-service/

Can a dentist have a fanbase? What about an insurance company? Yes, says David Meerman Scott, marketing & business growth speaker and author of the WSJ bestseller FANOCRACY. In this episode of Sales Lead Dog, host Chris Smith talks to David about his new book, and the idea that really meaningful marketing and selling happens when we turn our customers into our biggest fans. 

David has written over twelve books, four of which have been international best-sellers. In FANOCRACY, David explains how growing a fanbase is contrary to many of our widely held beliefs about selling -- it’s about being a community builder, not the stereotypical “hunter.” But though it takes a leap of faith, it really works. “We found examples in all kinds of different marketplaces of people who have been able to build fans,” David explains -- from the success of a skateboarding dentist to Duracell’s 10-million battery giveaway. 

At the end of the day, it’s hard to argue with this compelling strategy, which flips selling and marketing on its head. But it’s actually pretty simple; as David says: “If you bring passion to what you do, that passion is infectious.” 

Quotes:

• “All humans, you and me and everybody who’s watching and listening to this, is hard-wired in our brains to be part of a tribe of like-minded people.” (11:11-11:26)
• “If you bring passion to what you do, that passion is infectious, and people are more likely to want to do business with you.” (29:33-29:41)

Links:

https://www.fanocracy.com

https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeermanscott/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/freshspot-marketing/about/

Empellor CRM Website

chris.smith@empellorcrm.com

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

What role should marketing play the sales cycle? “Every role,” says David "Rev" Ciancio, Head of Revenue Marketing at Branded Strategic Marketing. Rev and host Chris Smith take a new approach this week and look at sales leadership from a marketing perspective, exploring how marketing and sales can work together to acquire and retain customers. 

Rev realized sales wasn’t his calling early in his career. He wasn’t a bad salesman, but much preferred coaching other members of his team and looking at the big picture. He used his experience in sales to jump into marketing strategy, and has been working to integrate the marketing and sales departments in every company he’s worked for since. 

Rev offers actionable steps to build a strong relationship between marketing and sales teams, with a focus on every step in the process from lead generation to customer retention. From co-writing sales sequences to encouraging sales teams to guide marketing content, Rev has solutions that you can implement tomorrow to get great results. 

Quotes:

• “I’m a believer in understanding the customer journey and aligning all of your efforts towards that” (11:06-11:18)

• “Any department that touches revenue... should have a dotted or even a direct line to marketing” (18:27-18:35)

Links: 

https://www.brandedstrategic.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/branded-strategic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/

Empellor CRM Website

chris.smith@empellorcrm.com

Empellor CRM LinkedIn

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing